Heavy rains in Chiba Prefecture: 1 new death confirmed, 10 deaths including those under investigation

The prefecture announced on the 16th that one new death was confirmed in Chiba Prefecture due to heavy rain that fell from the evening of the 13th to the early morning of the 14th. The man, a man in his 30s from Chuo Ward, Chiba City, has now died in the prefecture to 10 people, including those under investigation, and one person is missing.

According to the prefecture, the man's cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. Chiba City is investigating whether this is related to the disaster, as it is possible that the person's home lost power due to heavy rain and the generator was used.

According to the prefecture's summary as of the 16th, a total of 1,499 homes were affected by flooding above and below the floor. At least 709 buildings in 20 cities and towns were affected by above-floor flooding, with Chiba City having the most damage at 161 buildings, followed by Kamagaya City at 115 buildings, and Sakura City at 100 buildings. At least 790 buildings in 22 cities and towns suffered from sub-floor flooding, with 140 buildings in Kamagaya City having the most. This was followed by Matsudo City with 128 buildings, Sakura City with 100 buildings, and Chiba City with 88 buildings.

Additionally, two houses were completely destroyed, 11 were partially destroyed, and 29 were partially damaged. As of the 16th, some local governments had not been able to fully calculate the damage caused by flooding and damage, and the number is expected to increase in the future.

Regarding the issue of large numbers of submerged vehicles left on the roads, Chiba City Mayor Shunichi Kamiya announced on the 16th that the number of abandoned vehicles on city-managed roads reached approximately 2,500 at its peak. As of the 14th, it was estimated that there were about 1,000 vehicles, but a subsequent investigation by city officials confirmed that there were many more. Approximately 500 of these vehicles caused traffic problems, and approximately 300 vehicles were moved to the side of the road by tow trucks. The remaining approximately 200 vehicles are expected to be moved by the morning of the 17th.